Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, May 12: MLC Kota Srinivas Poojary at a press meet on Wednesday May 11 said, "Crores of funds have been released for the renovation of different temples in the district in 2012-13 and 2013-14, during the period of BJP government in the state."

Work on around 121 temples have almost reached the finishing stage. 70% of the released funds have been withdrawn from the government.

He alleged that the district authority did not submit accurate and detailed reports to the state and so, the fund was withdrawn. Kota suspects that there may be irregularities (malpractice) occurring between authority and the government.

Hence, Kota is demanding the re-release of funds and all bills due for payment to be paid within a week. If the demands are not fullfilled by the district authority then he will sit on a massive protest in front of DC office, Manipal.

Speaking on the problem of water he said that the central government has released a special drought relief fund of Rs 1,540 crore to the state government. It was a huge amount of money which had never been released before and the chief minister has to make proper use of this relief fund which is not happening.

He added that water scarcity is reported from various grama panchayats in the district. They are 23 grama panchayats in Kundapur taluk, 21 in Udupi taluk and some places of Karkala taluks.

He stressed on the need for the district authority and district in charge minister to call an immediate meeting for all PDOs and to take up necessary precautionary measures in solving the water crisis in all parts of the district."